(BALTIMORE – January 5, 2025) – Well, the word on the street is that we did it! We effectively kicked off 2025 with a powerhouse business networking and recognition event that celebrated some of our best and brightest in the DMV. (No, not just Baltimore!) Just having Carl Brown present was a treat. Carl runs the Washington, D.C. Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC) at Howard University, aka “the mecca”.
On any given day, Carl helps a litany of business owners and entrepreneurs gain the footing they need in order to succeed. Whether it’s legal workshops or logos and trademarks, Carl’s shop helps people who are trying to develop their business. Their footprint, truth be told, is global and that includes SBDC locations in Africa.
In 2024, Carl’s SBDC helped BMORENews.com host two Black Wall Street events featuring the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards at Howard University. Rodericka Applewaite, the White House Director of Black Media, was one of our honorees.
Carl led the workshop which featured business titans Omar Muhammad (Morgan State University’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center), Dr. Leroy McKenzie (Book Publishing), Sean Stinnett (MBE/VSBE/SBR Liaison & MBE/VSBE Compliance Supervisor at MD Department of General Services), Mike DiGiacomo (President/CEO Better Business Bureau/Greater Maryland), and Jim Peterson (M&T Bank).
And then there was Diane Bell-McKoy who moderated the Community Economic Development Panel. Panelists included Charlyn Nater (Baltimore Main Streets), Rasheed Aziz (Citywide Youth Development, Yolanda Jiggetts (Park Heights Renaissance), Renny Bass (KIOBA), & Jacqui Cummings (Notre Maison).
The third part was on Regional Economic Development. Ricky Smith, the CEO of BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport, was our moderator (What a blessing!) Panelists included Delegate N. Scott Phillips who has worked on behalf of Black businesses for 30 years, Dewan Clayborn (Central MD Chamber), Sen. Antonio Hayes (MD General Assembly; spearheaded effort to bring $28 million to the West North Avenue Development Authority), Michael Haynie (MD Hospitality Training, sponsor of our BlackUSA.News network), and Dave Green (Greater Baltimore Planning guru who helped bring Walmart and Home Depot to Liberty Road).
We certainly cannot forget Chad Williams, Executive Director of the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA). His message reminded us that we cannot afford any division moving forward. We cannot allow the historical stereotypes that have divided us over the years to continue to stymie our growth and expand our divide. Put differently, we cannot afford not to work together. We also cannot forget Fulton Bank. Both WNADA and Fulton Bank were our sponsors.
And lastly, we acknowledged twenty entrepreneurs, including seven youth:
Adeyemi Adeduro
Wanda Best
Marci Flournoy
Akio Evans
Sebastian Coates
Maria Thorpe
Tiana Wells-Lawson
Omar Muhammad
Naijha Wright-Brown
Pía Brown
Kenneth Morris, CPA
Kelli Redmond-Bagby
Richard Conway
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew
Shanyon Vann
Solace Vanzie
Nasir Vanzie
Zoe Chester
Aanjay Garrett
Serenity Vanzie
Win-win-win! It was a great day! Connections were made. History was unfolded. Possibilities were recognized. It was a win for the museum, attendees, sponsors, panelists, and honorees, and for BMORENews.com, the news before the news!
As we look back on this incredible event, one thing is certain: 2025 is off to a phenomenal start! The room’s energy, collaboration, and inspiration were nothing short of extraordinary. From celebrating the achievements of our honorees to engaging in critical discussions about economic development and entrepreneurship, this gathering was a powerful reminder of the strength and potential within our community.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Chad Williams of the West North Avenue Development Center and to
Fulton Bank. A special thanks also to Carl Brown and the Washington, D.C. Small Business Development Center (he traveled the longest distance to get to the Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures, a gem in our community), all our distinguished panelists, and every entrepreneur, youth leader, and visionary who graced us with their presence. Together, we’ve built connections and laid the foundation for future growth and success.
Let’s carry this momentum forward, continuing to uplift one another and push boundaries. As always, BMORENews.com remains committed to being the news before the news, shining a light on the brilliance within our communities and creating spaces where excellence is recognized and celebrated. Here’s to a prosperous 2025 for us all!
